Xbox + hip hop… WTF.
I may be flexing my uber-nerd status to the whole world wide web, but Xbox has just released a brand new set of avatars for their online gaming system which includes “hip hop” themes complete with the stereotypical bling, printed jeans, jackets with chains, more bling, and booty shorts for the ladies (seriously?!). I was pretty stoked when I created my own avatar months ago, but I’m not so sure that I need to rock whatever Microsoft thinks is urban fashion on my Xbox Miss Rachel.
This isn’t Xbox‘s first venture into appealing to hip hop culture by any means.
In late March 2009, Xbox also launched a new on-demand video series called “Hip Hop 360” which is hosted by Dj Prostyle of the Heavy Hitters. The idea is this – log into Xbox Live, access the show, and witness Dj Prostyle party with mainstreamers like Weezy and Jadakiss. As a matter of fact, Angie Martinez of Hot 97 fame (and also one of my biggest rolew models, for the record) also has a spotlight on Xbox Live.
Gen2Media President Mary Spio stated, “Hip Hop is fueling a multi-hundred billion dollar market worldwide, led by more than 24 million 15-29 year-old men in the U.S. alone who connect with the music and affiliate with the culture. Moreover, a large portion of this same demographic market is migrating away from traditional broadcast mediums to platforms like Xbox as its primary source for on-demand entertainment. Consequently, we expect that HIP HOP 360 will quickly gain a large and loyal fan base among Xbox LIVE subscribers who are actively seeking superior quality and highly engaging Hip Hop-flavored viewing experiences.”
Lady… Isn’t the entire internet as a whole “on-demand” entertainment?
Here’s what confuses me though: If you’re going to reach out to hip hop artists to spotlight, why would Microsoft not take three seconds to figure out what the fuck hip hop fashion was? Aren’t we past the bling era? Aren’t we past the booty shorts and studded jacket times?
Until then, Xbox Live Miss Rachel will continue to rock her button up & sweater like it’s still in fashion.. because it is.
